Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary in Thornton, CO: $77,712 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical and clinical laboratory technologist in Thornton, CO earns a median $77,712/year (≈ $37.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2010). Once you factor in Thornton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $74,011 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary of $77,712, the compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists in Thornton, Colorado, surpasses the national median of $68,734 by over 13%. The salary range here extends from $45,073 at the 10th percentile to $120,453 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse job market that provides opportunities across various employment sectors. These figures are estimates derived from state-level data and regional price adjustments, indicating a stable demand for this profession in the area. The strong earning potential in Thornton is indicative of a growing healthcare landscape, where specialized skills are highly valued.
About the Thornton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,073 | $21.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,109 | $26.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,712 | $37.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,471 | $47.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,453 | $57.91 |
Median Salary Position
13.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Thornton
In Thornton, CO, the medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $75,380 (2026 est.). At $77,712, the local median is 13.06% above the national median of $68,734.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Thornton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Thornton Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Pay Compares
Thornton median: $77,712/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Thornton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $76,488 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $68,734 | +13.06% more |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Thornton, CO earn a median of $77,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.06% higher than the national median of $68,734 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $76,488.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Thornton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Thornton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,712 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,011 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,662
2025 BLS Actual
$75,419
2026 Current Est.
$77,712
2019–2027 Growth
+25.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists in Thornton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.04% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,662 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,932 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,271 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,768 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,842 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,053 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,419 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,712 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,074 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Thornton metropolitan area, the median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary grew 18.5% from $63,662 (2019) to $75,419 (2025). At a 3.04% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,074 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,412 (25.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Thornton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.04% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,073 – $56,109 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,109 – $77,712 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,712 – $99,471 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,471 – $120,453 |
MLS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Job Market in Thornton
Analyzing the local market reveals favorable conditions for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, with 34 professionals currently employed in the region. The cost of living index in Thornton stands at 105, which is slightly above the national average, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be somewhat moderated. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics typically offer the highest salaries, capitalizing on the need for expertise in specialized procedures. The variation in pay stems from factors like shift differentials, credentials, and the size of healthcare facilities. To maximize earning potential in Thornton, professionals should seek certifications in high-demand specialties and consider positions that provide comprehensive benefits, which often supplement base salaries and enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP)
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory science. She specializes in molecular diagnostics. She works at a large metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $75,419 for medical and clinical laboratory technologistsin the Thornton metropolitan area. A 3.04% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Thornton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.04%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical and clinical laboratory technologists (SOC 29-2010).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP), a licensed medical and clinical laboratory technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov